Nicola Megson, editor of the Derbyshire Times and group editor of the North Nottinghamshire Newspaper group, has announced she is to leave Johnston Press.
Megson’s announcement follows news that her husband, former Sheffield Star editor John Furbisher, is moving to Brussels to become head of media for the Conservative group of MEPs.
She took her current job after seven years as deputy editor of the Yorkshire Post. As chief reporter at the Post, under then editor Tony Watson, she was part of the Regional Press Awards-winning team which helped expose one of the UK’s worst ever local council corruption scandals in 2002. ‘Donnygate’ saw more than 20 councillors convicted of fraud amid revelations about corruption in the planning system.
Megson trained to be a journalist straight from school, studying on an NCTJ course at the former Richmond College, Sheffield, before starting her newspaper career at the Brighouse Echo then moving on to the Courier in Halifax where she became crime reporter.
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She moved to her current job two years after the sudden death of her son Thomas, who died in his sleep, aged 15, during a family holiday.
She said: “This was by no means an easy decision to make. The job has been fantastic, challenging, exhilarating…you name it….but I have to put my personal life first.
“Having barely had a moment to breath since losing Thomas I plan to take some time for myself. I know all too well how important it is to enjoy today and let tomorrow take care of itself…so first plan, take time for me.”
She added: “I am certainly not closing the door on newspapers or Johnston Press. Indeed, it is my hope that one day I will return to the industry with a broader and fresher perspective, all the better skilled and refreshed for having left it for a while.
” I have relished every minute of my career in Johnston Press and am extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me. I am confident we will be staying in touch.
“I will miss my team more than words can say – in just one year together we have worked together to transform the Derbyshire Times and I am immensely proud of them and of what we have achieved together.
“I am and always will be immensely proud to be a part of this profession.”
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